Today’s sophisticated hearing aids — digital marvels that even leverage artificial intelligence — have changed millions of lives. They can deliver crisp sound, stream phone calls right to the user’s ears, and in some cases monitor heart health or detect and alert loved ones to a fall.
But could a cure for hearing loss be near? It’s not a reality yet, but science is always on the case. Hudson Valley Audiology Center’s upcoming free webinar, New Drug Therapies to Treat, Reverse, or Prevent Hearing Loss, will offer an exciting look at developments that may give further help and hope.
Complexities of hearing loss
Hearing loss, a leading chronic condition, is anything but simple. It can be temporary or permanent, occur at any age, and have causes ranging from genetic origins to reasons involving excess noise, ototoxic medications, ear infection, head trauma, or some diseases.
The inner workings of the brain and ears, crucial organs that collaborate to help you hear, only add to the complexities. How does hearing affect other functions? Why do hearing loss and dementia go hand in hand? These and other questions drive a growing body of research seeking answers.
Researching for a better-hearing tomorrow
Scientists at universities and biotechnology companies are exploring ways to protect hearing from damage and restore hearing when it’s been lost. Some investigational drugs being tested may block toxic chemicals from damaging the ear. Others are designed to deliver proteins the ear needs for proper functioning or to regrow cells damaged by noise or other sources.
Some promising results from clinical trials have been released, and several gene therapy clinical trials are expected to begin this year. Guest speaker Dr. Jonathon Whitton, who has worked on the development of protective and restorative therapies, will help share a look at what breakthroughs are happening today and where the field is going.
Hearing solutions available now
Therapeutics aren’t yet approved for treating hearing loss, but effective solutions for managing the condition are accessible right now. Modern hearing devices — including digital, rechargeable, and practically invisible options — are available for people of nearly every age and hearing level.
One of the first steps is understanding the current state of your hearing health. A licensed doctor of audiology can conduct a thorough examination to determine the health of your ears, the degree of any hearing loss, and the appropriateness of hearing technology for your individual needs.
Tomorrow’s innovations may propel hearing health to a new level of empowerment, so don’t miss this closer look. Register for Hudson Valley Audiology Center’s free June 19 webinar today!
When
Monday, June 19, Noon–1 p.m.
Zoom link
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpc-CtqzgtG9XdOi8B_5V-pqKUiLgUt_5l
Registration questions
845.406.9999